Housed in a turn-of-the-century stand-alone bungalow, situated on a bylane off the Gateway of India, the restaurant Indigo makes its mark for several reasons. The minimalist approach to its interiors where natural light takes centre stage over ornamentation; the warmth and old-world charm that has become a second nature; the serious approach to food preparation and its extensive wine list which won it Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for two consecutive years.

But all of the above would pale in significance, if it was not for the meticulous attention to detail and thought to providing the guest with a holistic approach to dining that is evident in the talented husband and wife team of Rahul and Malini Akerkar, the ‘parents’ behind the brainchild, Indigo. Conceived in response to the lacuna of fine dining restaurants in Mumbai, where a meal of western cuisine could only be eaten in a 5-star hotel, the Akerkars felt that the Mumbai diner had travelled enough to develop a sophisticated and discerning palate. “Our approach to food is not to confuse and overwhelm, bur rather to entice and encourage one to be a little more adventuresome in ones eating habits,” says Rahul. And that is the philosophy behind the food. So in April 1999, the restaurant threw open its doors to the public and continues to enjoy major success.